Welcome! This is written primarily for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Some information covers all types of diabetes. Always keep a positive attitude is my motto.
I am a person with diabetes type 2 and write about my experiences and research. Please discuss medical problems with your doctor. Please do not click on the advertisers that have attached to certain words in this section. They are not authorized and are robbing me by doing so.

August 20, 2014

Using CPAP During a Cold

Okay, you are using a CPAP machine and
waking up rested. You have overcome your resistance to using the
machine on a daily basis and are happy using it. Now, you are coming
down with a head cold and are wondering what to do and think you
should possibly take a break from using it until you are over the
cold.

It is okay to take a break from using
CPAP, if you have a cold. You may find that you have a residual
benefit from the treatment, even several days into the break. This
is because the inflammation and swelling of the tissues in the upper
airway will take time to become affected again. See my blog from
yesterday for possible breathing help using a CPAP.

When you have an upper respiratory
infection, such as the common cold may make it more difficult to use
CPAP. Similar to what occurs with allergies, the nose may become
congested and runny. A stuffy nose may make it hard to breathe with
the machine. The discharge of mucus may dirty the CPAP mask,
especially if you use nasal pillows. The flow of air may also cause
irritation if you have a sore throat. Each time you cough, opening
the mouth may make the pressure uncomfortable.

If you do decide to continue using your
CPAP during your cold, you may find it helpful to use a medication to
alleviate a stuffy nose. Over-the-counter saline spray is
inexpensive and effective. It can be used as often as you need it
and will moisten the lining of the nose. Afrin spray may also
provide relief, but it should not be used long term due to the risk
for rebound congestion of the nose.

Other prescription medications may
relieve chronic congestion related to allergies, including topical
nasal steroids sprays such as Flonase, Nasonex, Patanase, and
Astelin. It may also be helpful to rinse the nasal sinuses with a
neti pot. If you have diabetes, be careful and only use prescription
medications under the direction of a doctor, as many can raise blood
glucose more than you want.

Some people actually like to use CPAP
during a cold, especially if there is not a lot of nasal discharge.
The heated and humidified air may add comfort and relief. This
pressurized air may also move mucus along the nasal passage and
decrease congestion. My CPAP has a heated humidifier and does help
during a cold.

During and after your cold, it is
important to be diligent about cleaning the CPAP mask, tubing, and
humidifier tank. Give everything a thorough rinse with a mild soap
and water.

Even if you want to take a break from
CPAP when you have a cold, you don’t have to. If you find that you
can tolerate the treatment during illness, it will help you to sleep
better and wake feeling more rested. Except for one particularly bad
cold, I have been quite comfortable using my CPAP machine and it has
actually helped lessen the symptoms of my colds. You may need to
experiment to find if this works for you.

No comments:

Search

Subscribe To

About Me

I am enjoying life, despite diabetes type 2. I am retired and enjoying the time I have for writing and photography. I was diagnosed with type 2 on Oct 2003, on oral meds for 4 months and they were doing nothing to really improve my daily readings. By cutting my carbohydrates I received the most improvement, but still not enough. Then I requested insulin, even though I did not like the thought of needles. That brought about the biggest change and A1c's in the lower 6's and upper 5's. Now I am working at maintaining them under 6.0 and hopefully nearer 5.5.